Winning start at Allianz Park

Saracens got off to a winning start at Allianz Park with a 19-11 win over Cardiff Blues in the LV=Cup.

In front of a crowd of 3,726 of season ticket holders for the test event, the club’s new home was christened with a victory with James Short becoming for first Saracens player to cross the tryline at Allianz Park with his 78th minute score securing the victory.

Earlier in the game, Nils Mordt and Ceri Sweeney had traded penalties before Cardiff go on the scoreboard when No.8 Robin Copeland went over from close range. Mordt added another penalty to make it 8-6 at the break.

After the interval, two more Mordt penalties regained the lead for the home side and replacements Gareth Davies then struck a long range effort to make it a one-point game.

But the home side had the final say as a flowing move ended with Short touching down and Mordt’s conversion rounded off the victory